Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News
PITTSBURGH—The FBI Pittsburgh’s Charleston and Huntington Resident Agencies are teaming up with state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, as well as local colleges and universities, to talk with students about a career in criminal justice.
In recent months, we have seen the law enforcement community around the country experiencing issues retaining personnel and recruiting new hires. West Virginia law enforcement agencies are not exempt and are feeling the impact. The state is losing qualified applicants to surrounding states. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, many agencies and schools have stopped having career fairs or hosting recruiting events. That’s why the FBI Pittsburgh Field Office partnered with more than 30 different agencies, colleges, and universities to host a safe event where local students can talk to agencies about their future and organizations also get a chance to showcase their programs.
The events will be held in Charleston on April 17th and Huntington on May 15th and will run from 11 to 4 each day. There will also be a panel discussion at noon where students can ask questions to criminal justice professionals from West Virginia. The Charleston event will be held at the BridgeValley Community and Technical College. The Huntington event will be held at the Mountwest Community and Technical College.
“This event puts all of the stakeholders in one spot for local students to get their questions answered,” said Acting FBI Pittsburgh Special Agent in Charge Carlton Peeples. “The FBI works shoulder to shoulder with our partner agencies and this is a wonderful opportunity to help all of us grow and make our communities even stronger.”
“The West Virginia State Police is excited to be a part of the Law Enforcement Career Days,” said West Virginia State Police Colonel Jan Cahill. “Across the nation law enforcement and first responder recruiting has been hampered by the COVID-19 pandemic. These recruiting events will be a wonderful opportunity to engage and connect with our communities and those interested in a career with the West Virginia State Police.”
“It’s as important as ever for students to understand the role law enforcement plays in maintaining a safe and just society,” said Sheriff Mike Rutherford with the Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office. “Our limited, but integral part must be played efficiently, ethically, and lawfully each day in order for the rest to be free to build businesses, create new things, and raise families. We are proud to play a role in educating and building relationships with students, some of whom may pursue a career in law enforcement, but all of whom will be important in the society of tomorrow.”
“The last year has brought new challenges to law enforcement recruiting and the impact has been felt by our department, as it has so many others. As the world slowly begins to get back to some semblance of normal, the Charleston Police Department is looking forward to this career fair and the opportunity to meet individuals who have a true passion for bringing change to their community and being the difference they want to see in their neighborhoods.” – Chief James “Tyke” Hunt, Charleston Police Department.
“The West Virginia State University criminal justice faculty have a broad range of field experience,” said Dr. Leighann Justice Davidson, Chair of the Criminal Justice Department at West Virginia State University. “With this professional experience, our faculty are involved in multiple projects within the criminal justice field and expose the students to an experiential atmosphere of criminal justice content. Our faculty and department have gained national recognition, currently ranked 12th in the nation, for their expertise and community engagement and have created partnerships with multiple law enforcement agencies that offer internships and potential employment opportunities to our students.”
“The Charleston Fire Department has been heavily impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic when it comes to recruiting,” said Chief Shawn Wanner with the Charleston Fire Department. “The Charleston Fire Department is looking forward to the opportunity to get back into the community and recruit qualified individuals. If you are looking for a career where you truly serve your community every day, the CFD wants you! We respond to over 9,000 fire emergencies a year and over 16,000 medical emergencies a year. Do you have what it takes to be one of Charleston’s bravest?”
The FBI Pittsburgh Field Office is proud to partner with these agencies and organizations to start the conversations with the next generation of leaders by providing jobs that would allow them to stay in their home state and help make a difference in their community by having a job in public service.
The following agencies and organizations are scheduled to participate: FBI Pittsburgh’s Huntington and Charleston RA offices, FBI CJIS Division, FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center, (IC3), DEA Charleston District, DEA Louisville Field Division, ATF, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of West Virginia, Parkersburg Police Department, Huntington Police Department, West Virginia State Police, Kanawha County Sheriff’s Office, Charleston Police Department, Charleston Fire Department, Putnam County Sheriff’s Department, Bureau of Prisons, FCI Beckley and Morgantown, Saint Albans Fire Department, West Virginia Division of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Section, TSA, West Virginia Army National Guard, FBI Charleston Citizens Academy Alumni Association, West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, West Virginia State University, Concord University, Mountwest Community & Technical College, Ashland Community and Technical College, and the University of Charleston.